Decreased sensation is a condition where a patient experiences reduced or altered ability to sense touch, pressure, temperature, or pain. This nursing diagnosis focuses on identifying and managing impaired sensory function to prevent complications and maintain patient safety.
Causes (Related to)
Decreased sensation can affect patients in various ways, with several factors contributing to its severity and progression:
- Neurological conditions such as:
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Trauma or injury including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Nerve compression
- Post-surgical complications
- Chronic health conditions such as:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Autoimmune disorders
- Chronic alcoholism
- Environmental factors including:
- Exposure to toxins
- Prolonged pressure on nerves
- Repetitive motion injuries
Signs and Symptoms (As evidenced by)
Decreased sensation presents with distinctive signs and symptoms that nurses must recognize for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Subjective: (Patient reports)
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Reduced ability to feel the touch
- Altered temperature perception
- Decreased pain sensitivity
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks
- Balance problems
- Burning or “pins and needles” sensations
Objective: (Nurse assesses)
- Impaired response to tactile stimulation
- Altered two-point discrimination
- Decreased proprioception
- Impaired coordination
- Diminished reflexes
- Muscle weakness
- Gait abnormalities
Expected Outcomes
The following outcomes indicate successful management of decreased sensation:
- The patient will maintain skin integrity
- The patient will demonstrate safe mobility
- The patient will verbalize understanding of safety measures
- The patient will identify areas of sensory impairment
- The patient will demonstrate proper self-monitoring techniques
- Patient will avoid injuries related to sensory deficits
- The patient will maintain independence in ADLs within safety parameters
Nursing Assessment
Assess Sensory Function
- Evaluate touch sensation
- Test temperature discrimination
- Check pain response
- Assess proprioception
- Document areas of altered sensation
Monitor for Complications
- Assess for skin breakdown
- Check for injuries
- Monitor for falls
- Evaluate self-care ability
- Document safety incidents
Evaluate Risk Factors
- Review medical history
- Assess medication effects
- Check environmental hazards
- Document lifestyle factors
- Note occupational risks
Assess Knowledge Level
- Evaluate understanding of the condition
- Check safety awareness
- Document self-monitoring skills
- Assess support system
- Note learning needs
Monitor Functional Status
- Assess ADL performance
- Check mobility status
- Evaluate balance
- Document coordination
- Note activity limitations
Nursing Care Plans
Nursing Care Plan 1: Risk for Injury
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Risk for Injury related to altered sensory perception as evidenced by decreased tactile sensation in extremities.
Related Factors:
- Impaired sensation
- Altered proprioception
- Decreased protective reflexes
- Environmental hazards
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Implement safety precautions
Rationale: Prevents accidents and injuries - Monitor the environment for hazards
Rationale: Reduces risk of injury - Teach protective techniques
Rationale: Promotes self-monitoring and safety awareness
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will remain free from injury
- The patient will demonstrate safety measures
- The patient will maintain a safe environment
Nursing Care Plan 2: Impaired Physical Mobility
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Impaired Physical Mobility related to decreased sensation and proprioception as evidenced by unsteady gait and impaired balance.
Related Factors:
- Sensory impairment
- Muscle weakness
- Balance disorders
- Fear of falling
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Assist with mobility
Rationale: Ensures safe movement - Implement fall prevention measures
Rationale: Reduces risk of falls - Provide assistive devices
Rationale: Supports independent mobility
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will maintain safe mobility
- The patient will use assistive devices properly
- The patient will demonstrate improved balance
Nursing Care Plan 3: Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity related to decreased sensation as evidenced by inability to feel pressure points.
Related Factors:
- Altered sensation
- Pressure points
- Poor circulation
- Decreased mobility
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Perform regular skin assessments
Rationale: Identifies early signs of breakdown - Implement pressure relief measures
Rationale: Prevents tissue damage - Teach skin inspection techniques
Rationale: Promotes self-monitoring
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will maintain intact skin
- The patient will demonstrate skin monitoring
- The patient will implement pressure relief
Nursing Care Plan 4: Self-Care Deficit
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Self-care deficit related to impaired sensory function as evidenced by difficulty performing ADLs safely.
Related Factors:
- Sensory impairment
- Decreased coordination
- Safety concerns
- Altered perception
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Assist with ADLs as needed
Rationale: Ensures safe completion of tasks - Teach adaptive techniques
Rationale: Promotes independence - Monitor self-care performance
Rationale: Ensures safety and effectiveness
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will perform ADLs safely
- The patient will use adaptive equipment
- The patient will maintain independence
Nursing Care Plan 5: Knowledge Deficit
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Knowledge Deficit related to management of decreased sensation as evidenced by verbalized uncertainty about safety measures.
Related Factors:
- New condition
- Complex management needs
- Limited experience
- Information overload
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Provide education
Rationale: Increases understanding - Demonstrate safety techniques
Rationale: Promotes proper implementation - Assess learning needs
Rationale: Ensures effective education
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will verbalize understanding
- The patient will demonstrate proper techniques
- The patient will implement safety measures
References
- Ackley, B. J., Ladwig, G. B., Makic, M. B., Martinez-Kratz, M. R., & Zanotti, M. (2023). Nursing diagnoses handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
- Haanes GG. Multidisciplinary Approaches and Community-Based Interventions: Adaptable Strategies for Managing Sensory Impairments in Older Adults. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2023 Sep 13;16:2701-2705. doi: 10.2147/JMDH.S416762. PMID: 37724317; PMCID: PMC10505404.
- Harding, M. M., Kwong, J., & Hagler, D. (2022). Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems, Single Volume. Elsevier.
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- Ogle T, Alexander K, Miaskowski C, Yates P. Systematic review of the effectiveness of self-initiated interventions to decrease pain and sensory disturbances associated with peripheral neuropathy. J Cancer Surviv. 2020 Aug;14(4):444-463. doi: 10.1007/s11764-020-00861-3. Epub 2020 Feb 20. PMID: 32080785; PMCID: PMC7360651.
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